White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a statement from President Donald Trump on Tuesday, clarifying the origins of recent drone activity reported in New Jersey that had raised concerns among residents and local officials.
Speaking to the press from the White House briefing room, Leavitt shared that the president had been directly briefed on the matter in the Oval Office and provided updates to alleviate public speculation.
“After research and study, the drones flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” Leavitt stated, quoting the president. “Many of these drones were also operated by hobbyists, recreational users, and private individuals who enjoy flying drones. While the increase in activity may have sparked curiosity and concern, I want to assure everyone—this was not the enemy.”
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The statement comes after reports of large numbers of drones spotted over several areas of New Jersey, prompting questions about their purpose and potential security implications. Local residents described seeing clusters of drones in the evening sky, fueling rumors about surveillance, potential threats, and even foreign activity.
President Trump’s comments are intended to dispel fears and clarify the situation. According to the White House, the activity is part of authorized research projects overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with additional recreational usage contributing to the uptick.
Leavitt acknowledged the public’s concerns and noted that increased curiosity about the drones may have led to more individuals operating their own drones in the affected areas, compounding the issue. However, she emphasized that there is no indication of hostile activity and that the administration is confident in the findings of its investigation.
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The FAA has yet to release additional details about the specific research projects involving the drones, but the White House indicated that federal agencies are working to ensure minimal disruption to residents in the future. Local authorities are also expected to coordinate with the FAA to address any ongoing concerns about airspace activity.
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